Houghton gym to feature on episode of BBC Two TV show

Evolution Fitness, owned by Michael Donkin, will feature on BBC's Saved and Remade.

Evolution Fitness in Houghton is set to star in the BBC’s new programme Saved & Remade which features a piece of their gym equipment being remade into an item with a new purpose.

Owner Michael Donkin says he is ‘over the moon’ to be featured on the programme and is pleased the show, which airs today, Monday, March 29, shines some recognition for the small Wearside gym.

As part of the show ex Special Forces Operator Titch Cormack transforms an old piece of gym equipment into a brand new item.

Michael Donkin in Evolution Fitness, Houghton.

The programme takes numerous loved but unused objects and transforms them into new, functional items by their team of master crafters, which are then revealed to their owners.

Michael Donkin, owner of Evolution Fitness said: “The show asked for an old or unused item from the gym that could be given a new lease of life, so we handed over a glute machine that we first bought when the gym was opened on a budget.

"They’ve remade the item into something fantastic and we can’t wait for it to be revealed in the programme.”

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Michael Donkin will feature on BBC's Saved and Remade.

Evolution Fitness is the only independent 24 hour gym across Wearside and has recently won two national and one regional award since opening in 2017 which includes the National Community Facility of the Year in 2019.

Mr Donkin added: “It’s great to see the BBC take us on as one of their participants as it helps shine the spotlight on Wearside.

"We are a small business so it’s nice to see some recognition for the gym, especially after the fitness industry has been hit by the pandemic.”

The Houghton gym says it is now looking forward to reopening with it’s new and approved piece of equipment after being closed from 5 November due to the pandemic.

The show is due to air on March 29 at 6.30pm on BBC Two , with 20 episodes across the series which is presented by Sabrina Grant.

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